I was sorry to see the Ada Cougars football team’s season come to an end Friday with their loss to Bethany.

At the same time, I am definitely a forward-looker, and I am looking forward to basketball season.

Honestly, every season is great, as long as I and mindful of what matters most: being the eyes and ears of our newspaper.

As I write this, I just finished covering the Santa Stroll in Wintersmith Park. I saw hundreds of people who were glad to see me, and glad I was there.

A friend of mine pulled me aside and chatted for a minute, then said something incredibly humbling and flattering: “Richard, you have done so much for our community.”

Community is, in my opinion, the real reason for being a journalist, and it has been an honor that you welcome me as your community journalist.